Students will learn about human trafficking in the United States and read a short profile of human trafficking survivors as they think about the human rights that are violated in this modern form of slavery.
The Rule of Law in Your Life
Rule of law is a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are: publicly promulgated, equally enforced, independently adjudicated, and consistent with international human rights principles. The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts has created this resource to help your students understand rule of law with an overview of the topic; opening discussion questions; relevant landmark case summaries; and discussion questions to check for understanding. In a Court Shorts video, nine federal judges explain how fair and consistent adherence to the law protects our rights and well-being in everyday situations.
Freedom of Speech
In this lesson, students analyze a photo of Robert Kennedy speaking outside the U.S. Department of Justice on June 14, 1963, and use it to discuss freedom of speech as a constitutional right in the United States, and human rights around the world.
Habeas Corpus: The Guantanamo Cases
One of our oldest human rights, habeas corpus safeguards individual freedom by preventing unlawful or arbitrary imprisonment. This documentary examines habeas corpus and the separation of powers in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks as the Supreme Court tried to strike a balance between the president’s duty to protect the nation and the constitutional protection of civil liberties in four major Guantanamo Bay cases: Hamdi v. Rumsfeld, Rasul v. Bush, Hamdan v. Rumsfeld and Boumediene v. Bush.
Closed captions available in English and Spanish.
Applying the Rules of International Humanitarian Law
Students learn about the concept of international humanitarian law, analyze photos, then use the chart of “Basic Rules of International Humanitarian Law” to discuss how the rules might apply to the people in each photo.
Chevron v. Echazabal (2002)
Should the ADA require companies to hire people with disabilities even if their health is at risk in the workplace? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2002.
HUD v. Rucker (2002)
Does HUD’s policy authorize a tenant to be evicted from public housing for the drug-related activity of a household member or guest? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2002.
Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Ed. (2005)
Does Title IX allow suits for retaliation for complaints about unlawful sex discrimination? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2005.
JDB v. North Carolina (2011)
Should the age of a juvenile suspect be considered when deciding whether he is in custody and entitled to Miranda warnings? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2011.
PGA Tour v. Martin (2001)
Does the Americans with Disabilities Act apply to participants in athletic competitions held in places of public accommodation? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2001.